Books like 'The Return Play'
Readers who enjoyed The Return Play by Mariah Dietz also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary slow burn friends to lovers new adult sports sweet heroine m-f
-
Stealing Sawyer by Samantha Christy
I hired her to be my girlfriend. To fix my reputation. To save my career. It’s not that I don’t want a girlfriend. I do. I want it all. Wife, kids, side-by-side burial plots. The problem is – I can’t have any of it. So I’ve made myself untouchable. The quintessential bachelor of baseball. Because it’s not worth the risk. Not even for someone I love. Especially not for someone I love... -
![Always You by Emilia Finn]()
Always You by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsWhat does any self respecting socialite do when she finds her husband screwing his secretary on HER dining room table? She gets petty revenge a'la Louisville Slugger, then she runs home and pretends her whole life isn’t in tatters... -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links / Remove ads -
![Without You: Scotch and Sammy duet - book 2 by Emilia Finn]()
Without You: Scotch and Sammy duet - book 2 by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsSammy. I left because I thought I was doing the right thing. I was falling on my sword. I thought I was saving everyone a lot of heart ache, and in exchange, I took all that ache on my own. I was supposed to be the hero, but instead I was the villain. He hates me with every fiber of his being…. It’s been thirteen years since we last saw each other. It turns out ghosts can’t be buried... -
![Reshuffle by Emilia Finn]()
Reshuffle by Emilia Finn
The first round is for practice. The second round is for keeps. She was everything Ben ever wanted. But time, distance, and jealousy made it impossible. Now they’re adults, Evie’s back in town after college graduation, and Ben never once let go of what he knew was meant to be... -
-
![Battle Scars by Emilia Finn]()
Battle Scars by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.82 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThey call him Romeo—though no one would accuse him of being a romantic. Troy ‘Romeo’ Rosa has been a mystery for years. A mercenary used to working away and taking orders from his tutu wearing, ruthlessly savage boss. Her domineering ways mean his most recent assignment should be a walk in the park. The last thing he expects is a family so corrupt, it may destroy Checkmate from the inside out... -
![Power Play by Toni Aleo]()
Power Play by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsPosey Adler is coming home. After a devastating journey for what she mistakenly thought was true love, she is saying to hell with men and love forever. As the Nashville Assassins’s new assistant coach for special teams, Posey is ready to focus on her job and have the attention on her for a change... -
![Checkmate by Emilia Finn]()
Checkmate by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsBishop men are nothing but a plague on this planet, a disease that needs eradication before it spreads. They’re murderers. Liars. Thieves. The day I met Colum Bishop, I thought my life was finally turning around. I was led to believe he would be our saviour. He was supposed to be our hero, a long awaited reprieve from the hardships life insisted on throwing at my mom and me... -
![Hearts at Play by Melissa Foster]()
Hearts at Play by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsBrianna Heart has a six-year old daughter and a twelve-year plan to keep her life as simple as possible until Layla turns eighteen. That means swearing off relationships and the drama that goes along with them, working two jobs, and being the best damn mother she can be... -
![Hart to Heart by M.E. Carter, Jacob Morgan]()
Hart to Heart by M.E. Carter, Jacob Morgan
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsListening Length: 5 hours, 6 minutes. We’re the Harts. Between an engagement, a wedding and an adoption, we’ve had the best year of our lives. Things have never looked better for any of us. But just because you say “I do” doesn’t mean you get a happily ever after. And sometimes, you get tackled more in life than you ever did on the football field... -
![Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic]()
Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWolfe Emerson is notorious for two things: being an absolute beast in a boxing ring and being a voluntary mute. His story remains unspoken and he prefers to live his life in silence. That is, until, his world is turned upside down when he meets someone who is louder than life... -
![Endeared by J.S. Scott]()
Endeared by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsAfter finishing a hard-won medical residency, Owen Sinclair now lives his dream as a family physician. The windfall that brought him newfound wealth has also made handsome Dr. Sinclair the town’s most eligible bachelor... -
![She Writes Love by Sandi Lynn]()
She Writes Love by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsTwo lives, two losses, and one meeting that changed their lives forever. Learning to move and learning to love again isn’t always easy. The circle of life. It’s something we all know about but are never truly prepared for the unexpected. The unexpected that comes out of nowhere. No warning, no heads up, nothing...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers m-f contemporary length-medium audiobook standalone standalone-first -
![Trouble by Adriana Locke]()
Trouble by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsShe wants something real. He wants something now. Together they’re trouble in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke’s sexy and funny twice-in-a-lifetime love story. With his shameless grin and let’s-play swagger, carpenter Penn Etling leaves women wanting in Dogwood Lane. What do they get? Avery Perry knows: a one-night stand. She’s been there...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers m-f humor contemporary independent heroine length-medium audiobook -
![REGRET by Emilia Finn]()
REGRET by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.72 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsPreston Danes was born and raised on the streets. Unloved. Unwanted. And quickly discarded. Now he’s a man on the verge of a new career when the infamous Checkmate Security offers him a job. They want to shut down a mafia family, and they need the assistance of a skilled hacker to get the job done. Preston knows code like others know their left hands. He’s perfect for the job... -
-
![Sea of Love by Melissa Foster]()
Sea of Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsYou fell in love with Lacy Snow in Sisters in White (Snow Sisters, Book Three). Follow her on her path to her forever love in Sea of Love. Lacy Snow hadn’t been looking for love when she met strikingly handsome and seductive Dane Braden... -
![#FinishLine by Cambria Hebert]()
#FinishLine by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsEvery race has a finish line. Where you go after you cross it is what matters most. And sometimes, that's the most intriguing. Here at GearShark, we've featured lots of drivers. All of them are well acquainted with the finish line. And as race fans, we're well acquainted with cheering as they cross it. What we aren't privy to is riding shotgun, seeing where they drive once the race is over... -
![The Consolation Duet Books 1-2 by Corinne Michaels]()
The Consolation Duet Books 1-2 by Corinne Michaels
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLiam wasn't supposed to be my happily ever after. He wasn't even on my radar. He was my husband's best friend-forbidden. But my husband died and I fell in love with Liam only to be left shattered into a million pieces. Again. I want him. I need him. I yearn for him, but he's gone. Now I have to decide if it's him I love or if he was just the consolation prize all along. -
![Sacrifice The Knight by Emilia Finn]()
Sacrifice The Knight by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsSacrifices are never ideal, but to win the game, sometimes the knight must fall. Katrina Blair is a single mom to a daredevil teen, which means she has no time for fruitless endeavours such as dating. Why? Because men are all the same: liars, thieves, and unreliable a**holes... -
![Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry]()
Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsOnce upon a time, I fell in love with a boy. A beautiful, broken boy who had his own world of struggles. People warned me against our love, but I didn't listen. We looked weak. Young, foolish. Dangerously in love. We didn't care. In order to keep our hearts protected from the opinions of others, we became each other’s secret. We shared stolen moments. Tender touches. Secretive embraces... -
![Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo]()
Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo
Stella Brooks is a woman who knows what she wants. From her first glimpse of Paris Fashion Week at the tender age of eleven, she has only ever wanted to be a designer. Hardworking and dedicated, she knows she can make a success of it. Until…she is driven to trade fashion for frosting, a move that makes her soul sing but shakes her confidence in her decision-making to her core... -
![Kade by Tijan]()
Kade by Tijan
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI have fought. I have bled. I have wreaked havoc for my family. Anyone who threatened us, tried to break us, I broke them instead. Then, there was peace. Marriage. Children. Life was good. Life was great. Until my phone rang one night. Retired, I was no longer in the NFL. We'd recently moved back to Fallen Crest. So I should’ve known. I should’ve remembered. There is no peace in Fallen Crest... -
![Changing Lines by Toni Aleo]()
Changing Lines by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsClaire and Jude Sinclair have been living the perfect life for the last ten years. Blissfully in love, professionally successful, happily married… They have everything they want—except a baby to make their family complete... -
![Touched by Love by Melissa Foster]()
Touched by Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTOUCHED BY LOVE is a USA TODAY BESTSELLER. Readers’ Favorite calls Touched by Love, “The best book I’ve read all year! ” 5 Stars! An unexpected tragedy leads to an unexpected love. Fall in love with the story thousands of readers are raving about. Fiercely independent Janie Jansen has always believed there were worse things in life than being blind, and she’s spent her life proving it... -
![Forever by Ivy Smoak]()
Forever by Ivy Smoak
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsBrooklyn. I will never take a single day for granted again. Despite everything, I’m still here. I’m still breathing. And I’m not going anywhere. Even though 16 years have passed, my heart still belongs to Matthew Caldwell. And I think it’s about time we start our forever. Matt. I waited 16 years for Brooklyn to come back to me... -
-
![Wreck by Cora Brent]()
Wreck by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTHOMAS. Not too long ago my future was all mapped out. Then two brutal swings of a steel bat wielded by a maniac wrecked my world. The adrenaline high I used to get from pitching a perfect game is gone. The major league dreams I counted on have vanished. And the peace of mind I took for granted is shattered. The thrills I seek out now are self-destructive. I know this and I can’t stop... -
![Path To Realization by TheFeveredBookaholic]()
Path To Realization by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAsher Pryce hides behind a wall of secrets he's spent most of his life building up. How else is the adopted child whose birth parents run a drug cartel supposed to fit in? He's notorious for his overconfident swagger and total lack of patience for bullshit - a master of masks. The one thing in his life he can't fake? His feelings for his best friend's twin sister... -
![Southern Attraction by Kaylee Ryan]()
Southern Attraction by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI had everything I ever wanted, living the dream, at least that's what I always thought. The night we met, we had an instant attraction, but she was with someone else. When we reunited a few months later, that pull was still there, stronger than ever. So strong, that even though she was hundreds of miles away, I pursued her. I told myself that I just wanted to get to know her... -
![Castling The Rook by Emilia Finn]()
Castling The Rook by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsDie a hero. Forever remain a hero. Junior, baby-faced, rookie – Riley Cruz has heard it all. The youngest police recruit in town, Riley is thirty-one years old, but is constantly overlooked because of his youthful features and habit to keep his mouth shut when everyone else is loud. But not everything is as it seems. Not everyone is as innocent as they appear... -
![Playing For Keeps by Emilia Finn]()
Playing For Keeps by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLife is all about choices, right? Everything we do, from brushing our teeth in the morning, until we climb into bed at night, is a series of choices. Sometimes we make bad choices, sometimes they’re good, sometimes they’re made under duress, and sometimes they’re the lesser of two evils kind... -
![Kitty Valentine Dates Santa by Jillian Dodd]()
Kitty Valentine Dates Santa by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSPIN THE WHEEL. DATE THE GUY. WRITE THE BOOK. Six years ago, Kitty Valentine took the book world by storm when her sweet debut romance hit number one on the New York Times Best Sellers list, which was followed by a string of successful releases. Her latest novel, however, totally bombs, causing her editor to suggest she write much sexier books... -
![Prodigal Son by Jay Crownover]()
Prodigal Son by Jay Crownover
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen she was a little girl, Remy Archer fell in love with Hyde Fuller at first sight. In fact, he was the only thing she could see for a very long time. For Remy, it never mattered to her that Hyde was always too serious and always seemed so sad. To her, he was the very best, and the center of her entire world. She never dreamed he would let her down when she needed him the most... -
![Cocky Senator’s Daughter: Hannah by Faleena Hopkins]()
Cocky Senator’s Daughter: Hannah by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsHANNAH COCKER. Every man I've dated in this city has either bored me or hurt me. When Sofia Sol, my crazy cousin, offers a ride on the back of her Harley with no destination in mind besides out-of-Atlanta, what do you think my answer is? I'll give you one guess. TOBIAS KYRKOS. Life doesn't ever hand you what you want. You have to take it... -
![Trust the Push by Kaylee Ryan]()
Trust the Push by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI'm making strides in the world of dirt late model racing. With back-to-back championships under my belt, I'm determined to win a third and be the youngest driver in history to do so. I'm going to make it happen. My career is my focus. That is until the ultimate distraction in the form of a redheaded bombshell drops into my life...Categorized as:
new adult sports m-f contemporary length-medium audiobook standalone standalone-first -
![Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper]()
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsGreen Lucas doesn't know what's about to hit him. Complete Standalone Romance. Wanted. A woman with grit and fire who will help me get my son’s head out of his ass. You must be self-sufficient and not looking for a gravy train. Common sense is a plus, book smarts are optional. Cannot have red hair, as my son seems to go for that type and he needs something to shake him up... -
-
![Playing Dirty by Mickey Miller]()
Playing Dirty by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI'm going to teach Andrea to play dirty. .. she just doesn't know it yet. Jake. Pulling in eight figures a year as star pitcher for the Chicago Jaguars, there's no shortage of parties, booze, and women. I'm a beast on the mound and between the sheets but when my social media presence becomes a major problem, the team’s owner brings in a PR expert to clean up my image... -
![The Chase is Over by Toni Aleo]()
The Chase is Over by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsYou are cordially invited to the wedding of Shelli Adler and Aiden Brooks…. Shelli has been planning her wedding to Aiden in her scrapbook since she was old enough to wield a glue stick. And now that day has finally arrived... -
![Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe pro football player I’m faking a relationship with has the perfect solution to my career woes. He’s encouraging me to lean into the pseudo-celebrity life I was born into instead of trying to outrun it, and for the first time in my life, someone sees me for me. I feel like he’s falling for me, too. And then my ex shows up...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers m-f contemporary humor age difference length-short audiobook -
![Chosen by Love by Toni Aleo]()
Chosen by Love by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCameron White is the most famous student influencer on the Bellevue campus. Not only that, she is one hell of a gymnast, ready to stick every landing her senior year. It’s time to go out with a bang... -
![Hold 'Em Tight by Alisha Williams, Amber Nicole]()
Hold 'Em Tight by Alisha Williams, Amber Nicole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey weren't kidding when they say life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, I think I have it all. My men. Happiness. Friends. Family. And the next, my whole life comes crashing down around me. Betrayal like I’ve never felt before consumes me. A heartbreak so gut-wrenching it hurts to breathe...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers from hate to love contemporary queer length-medium m-m -
![Promise by T.K. Leigh]()
Promise by T.K. Leigh
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe was supposed to be my first kiss. My first love. My first everything. .. There are moments in our lives that define us. For Brooklyn Tanner, it's the summer before her junior year of high school. The summer boys finally begin to notice her. The summer he finally begins to notice her. Andrew Brinks. Handsome. Popular. Star hockey player. Her best friend's brother... -
![My Next Play by Carrie Ann Ryan]()
My Next Play by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhat happens when you fall for your best friend, but they fall in love with someone else? Nothing is what it seems in this unrequited love, new adult romance. Miles knew Nessa never had eyes for him. Only when someone new tries to hurt her, he knows he can’t stand back any longer. It’s time she finds out the man he is behind the glasses and beneath the shell he wrapped himself in... -
![Bad Boys After Dark: Carson by Melissa Foster]()
Bad Boys After Dark: Carson by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBad Billionaires After Dark are a series of stand-alone romances. "With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author! " -NYT Bestseller Julie Kenner. "Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance! " -NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely. Indulge your inner vixen with these sexy billionaires! Meet the Bad Boys. .Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers m-f contemporary length-medium audiobook standalone standalone-first -
![Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers]()
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
![Inked Devotion by Carrie Ann Ryan]()
Inked Devotion by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Montgomery Ink saga from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with a road trip romance between two friends running from their past. Brenna Garrett watched her best friend fall in love with another woman all the while keeping his darkest secrets from her. Now she’ll have to figure out who she is without him while not letting the rest of the Montgomerys see her break...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers m-f contemporary suspense siblings-bff length-medium audiobook -
-
![Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s okay to admit I’m scared. Outside forces are working hard to tear us apart, but we’ve teamed up against them. It’s the internal struggles we’re battling that could spell the ultimate end. When Ben makes a public show to prove how committed we are, I’m left confused as I struggle to figure out whether his feelings for me are real or if they’re part of the act...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers m-f age difference forced proximity contemporary length-short audiobook -
![Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker]()
Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe way she looks, smells, laughs is killing me. I fell in love with my sister’s best friend. To top it all off, she’s brilliant. And I’m failing Chemistry. Of course, when I get her help, she’s laidback about it. Charming and helpful as always, like she doesn’t know how much I want her. I’ve got to play it cool and let her see a different side of me... -
![A Callahan Wedding by Monica Murphy]()
A Callahan Wedding by Monica Murphy
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe sweet and sexy conclusion to New York Times bestselling author, Monica Murphy’s standalone Callahan series, bringing readers along for the ride as fan favorites, Jake and Hannah get married! Hannah Walsh. Gorgeous. Intelligent. My first love. My high school sweetheart. My everything. And now my fiancée...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports new adult m-f alpha male athletes contemporary found-family -
![PUNCHED by Jacob Chance]()
PUNCHED by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsReagan is the one who got away - or should I say the one I drove away? Now, four years later, she’s back to manage the gym where I train. Seeing her everyday is a distraction I can’t afford. I’m so close to achieving the big payoff I’ve been working for. Nothing’s going to keep me from winning this belt - not even her. This is a second chance MMA romance standalone. -
![Ever Found by L.E. Bross]()
Ever Found by L.E. Bross
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI just keep making mistakes. It was supposed to be an easy job. Steal a timepiece from Hook and in exchange, find out where my little sister is. But the hero isn't always the hero and sometimes the bad guy is the person you least expect... -
![Taking the Leap by Kelsie Rae]()
Taking the Leap by Kelsie Rae
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA girl who’s competing in a man’s sport. And a guy who can’t wait to help her shine. My world fell apart when my dad was diagnosed with dementia. Now, I need money and a way to provide stability for my father. When an opportunity falls into my lap that can provide both, I grab hold of it with all my strength. I just need to. .. focus...
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
